Hi-Line Athlete Profile: Maddie Columbus, Havre High volleyball

With this being her final year as a Havre High volleyball player, senior Maddie Columbus has made the most of it so far. At the end of the first month of the season, the Blue Ponies have an 8-1 record and are atop the Northeast A standings. As Columbus experiences this run of success, she is glad she got to do it with the group of her girls on her team.

"Our whole team is just like a family so it's been really fun," Columbus said.

Columbus has been a key part of the Ponies' success this fall. As a middle, she is charged with blocking and hitting for Havre. In several matches this season, she has led the team in either kills or blocks.

Over the years, Columbus has enjoyed volleyball just for the fun and excitement. But if it was not for her mother, Columbus may have never gotten into the sport. Columbus' mother has played and coached volleyball herself, so Columbus has always known the game.

"I was just always around it," Columbus said. "She was my mentor and she was the reason why I started."

Columbus also credits her mother along with the rest of her family and teammates for motivating her on the court. She hopes that motivation can lead to a repeat of last season when the Ponies made it to the state tournament. Havre's next step on the path to that goal will be their match against Glendive this Friday night at Blue Pony Gymnasium. Before Columbus gets back on the court, the Havre Daily News got the chance to ask her a few questions.

HDN: As a senior, what do you hope to teach the underclassmen on your team?

Columbus: "Just to always have fun and remember to keep your head up."

HDN: What have you learned from your time in the HHS volleyball program?

Columbus: "Just knowing to always have a positive attitude."

HDN: What do you plan to do after high school?

Columbus: "I'm going into early childhood education. I love being around kids and I've worked at a daycare and have been babysitting my whole life."

HDN: Do you have a favorite school subject?

Columbus: "I like learning history. I just like all the facts and learning about where we came from."

HDN: What hobbies do you have outside of volleyball?

Columbus: "I fish and go camping and do all that outdoors stuff."